Global Leafy Greens Market Size, Share, and COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Type (Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Cabbage & Other Brassicas, and Others), By Nature (Organic and Conventional), By Distribution Channel (Retail [Supermarkets/Hypermarkets, Convenience Stores, Online Retail, Others], Food Service, Others), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa), Analysis and Forecast 2023 - 2033

Global Leafy Greens Market Insights Forecasts to 2033

• The Global Leafy Greens Market Size was Estimated at USD 79.72 Billion in 2023
• The Market Size is Expected to Grow at a CAGR of around 5.25% from 2023 to 2033
• The Worldwide Leafy Greens Market Size is Expected to Reach USD 132.95 Billion by 2033
• North America is Expected to Grow the fastest during the forecast period.

The Global Leafy Greens Market Size was worth around USD 79.72 Billion in 2023 and is predicted to Grow to around USD 132.95 Billion by 2033 with a compound annual rowth rate (CAGR) of 5.25 % between 2023 and 2033. The leafy greens market is being driven by health and wellness trends, increased awareness of healthy eating, the rise of organic produce, and innovation in product offering, and North America is an emerging key growth region.

Market Overview

The leafy greens market is defined as the industry that produces edible leafy vegetables, distributes them, and sells them to customers. Leafy vegetables are cultivated for the edible leaves, mostly consumed raw or cooked or in some form of processing. They are nutrients right from their tender green parts to their dried forms. Leafy greens are said to be a common need as far as healthy diets are concerned because of their high fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidant qualities. Consumers are becoming more aware of the health benefits they get from leafy greens. These superfoods pack nutrients, vitamins, and fiber intake to make them a great food choice for people who are on healthy diets. With this rising popularity of vegetarianism and veganism, there was an increased demand for plant-based alternatives, of which leafy greens were included. This trend by consumers would result in greater growth for the market of leafy greens, especially among health-conscious consumers interested in fresh and nutritious foods. For instance, in march 2024, Fresh Express, the American premier brand known for adding salad value, has added to its offerings an Apple Salad Kit and a Twisted Caesar Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit. ''The Asian Apple Salad Kit includes fresh green leaf lettuce, radishes, diced apples, carrots, and other elements. In this case, the Twisted Caesar Creamy Truffle Caesar Chopped Salad Kit features romaine lettuce and crispy garlic brioche croutons, among others.

Report Coverage

This research report categorizes the leafy greens market based on various segments and regions forecasts revenue growth and analyzes trends in each submarket. The report analyses the key growth drivers, opportunities, and challenges influencing the leafy greens market. Recent market developments and competitive strategies such as expansion, type launch, development, partnership, merger, and acquisition have been included to draw the competitive landscape in the market. The report strategically identifies and profiles the key market players and analyses their core competencies in each sub-segment of the leafy greens market.

Driving Factors

Leafy greens are full of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that are beneficial for heart health, digestive health, and overall health. As people become more health-aware, the demand for nutrient-rich food such as leafy greens rise. Moreover, the increasing inclination toward organic vegetables such as organic leafy greens also serve a fairly potent purpose in the growth of the market. Consumers are generally inclined to pay higher prices for produce that has been raised in an environment free of harmful chemical pesticides, fertilizers, and GMOs.

Restraining Factors

Leafy greens tend to be impacted by seasonal fluctuations, which create supply fluctuations. In winter, some greens such as lettuce and spinach will not grow as readily, resulting in supply shortages or a hike in prices. Moreover, several factors, such as bad weather, delayed transportation, and logistical difficulties, impede the transportation and distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables, thus influencing the availability and pricing of leafy greens.

Market Segmentation

The leafy greens market share is classified into type, nature, and distribution channel.

• The lettuce segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the type, the leafy greens market is divided into lettuce, spinach, kale, cabbage & other brassicas, and others. Among these, the lettuce segment dominated the market in 2023 and is projected to grow at a substantial CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is attributed due to the lettuce is among the major ingredient in fresh salads that are both eaten at home and served within food service sectors. Lettuce is simpler to cultivate and boasts a comparatively short growing period from other leafy greens such as kale or cabbage, which are more available and affordable. Also, the lettuce is not as prone to pests and disease as other leafy greens, and this aids the steady supply.

• The conventional segment accounted for the majority share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the nature, the leafy greens market is divided into organic and conventional. Among these, the conventional segment accounted for the majority share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The growth is driven by conventional greens being grown by synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, which tend to produce more yields and lower costs of production. Conventional vegetables are sold at prices lower than that of organic vegetables, making them the most attractive for those who are sensitive to the pricing.

• The retail segment accounted for the biggest share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period.

Based on the distribution channel, the leafy greens market is divided into retail, food service, and others. Among these, the retail segment accounted for the biggest share in 2023 and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The segmental growth is due to leafy greens being available throughout various retail stores such as supermarkets/hypermarkets, convenience stores, online stores, and many others; they are easily accessible to consumers. The wide range of varieties and quality offered by retailers caters to different consumer tastes in leafy greens.

Regional Segment Analysis of the Leafy Greens Market

• North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico) 
• Europe (Germany, France, U.K., Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil and the Rest of South America) 
• The Middle East and Africa (UAE, South Africa, Rest of MEA)

Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share of the leafy greens market over the predicted timeframe.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to hold the largest share of the leafy greens market over the predicted timeframe. Consumers in the region are becoming more health conscious, and foods that are nutritious and healthy are expected to be in demand, including leafy greens. Population growth is a massive factor in the Asia Pacific leafy greens market. Very rapidly increasing populations in the region, particularly in China and India, are also laying demand on food production. The agricultural sector in these regions is adapting high technologies and farming methods like indoor vertical farming and hydroponics, which will help increase production and efficiency.

North America is expected to grow at a rapid CAGR in the leafy greens market during the forecast period. The leafy greens segment is also robust in North America, particularly in the U.S., where there is a strong consumer interest in sustainable and pesticide-free food. There is considerable demand for leafy greens fueled by rising awareness of their health benefits, with consumers increasingly turning to plant-based diets and fresh, organic produce.

Competitive Analysis:

The report offers the appropriate analysis of the key organizations/companies involved within the leafy greens market along with a comparative evaluation primarily based on their type of offering, business overviews, geographic presence, enterprise strategies, segment market share, and SWOT analysis. The report also provides an elaborative analysis focusing on the current news and developments of the companies, which includes type development, innovations, joint ventures, partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, strategic alliances, and others. This allows for the evaluation of the overall competition within the market.

List of Key Companies

• Dole Food Company, Inc.,
• Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.,
• The Kraft Heinz Company
• Conagra Brands, Inc.
• Taylor Farms
• Calavo Growers, Inc.
• Little Leaf Farms
• Ardo Group
• Bonduelle Group
• Green Giant.
• Others

Key Target Audience

• Market Players
• Investors
• End-users
• Government Authorities 
• Consulting And Research Firm
• Venture capitalists
• Value-Added Resellers (VARs) 

Recent Development

• In June 2024, Bayer AG, a German multinational pharmaceutical and biotech corporation, collaborated with Pairwise, a health-oriented food and agriculture firm, to bring to market an enhanced leafy green with superior nutrition compared to typical lettuce.

Market Segment

This study forecasts revenue at global, regional, and country levels from 2023 to 2033. Spherical Insights has segmented the leafy greens market based on the below-mentioned segments: 

Global Leafy Greens Market, By Type

• Lettuce
• Spinach
• Kale
• Cabbage & Other Brassicas
• Others

Global Leafy Greens Market, By Nature

• Organic
• Conventional

Global Leafy Greens Market, By Distribution Channel

• Retail
  • Supermarkets/Hypermarkets
  • Convenience Stores
  • Online Retail
  • Others
• Food Service
• Others

Global Leafy Greens Market, By Regional Analysis

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
  • UAE
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Qatar
  • South Africa
  • Rest of the Middle East & Africa